Don't Let Ignorance, Improvidence Give Added Clout To Killer Storms

In August 1992, devastating Hurricane Andrew was repeatedly described as a "wake-up call" for millions of South Florida residents and hundreds of officials charged with responding to such a threat.

Andrew exposed many weaknesses - in local building codes, in the speed and adequacy of government's emergency response agencies and in the people's own lack of preparation.

Three years later, Erin will test whether enough people heard that call ... and heeded it.

Erin's sudden, speedy development and its quick arrival are a shocking reminder of how unpredictable and dangerous these storms can be. Its approach along a similar path to Andrew brings a scary sense of deja vu.

Today, with high winds, waves, ocean surges and rain squalls threatening the region, the question for everyone is: What should I do?

Decisions about buying hurricane supplies, boarding up a home or business, going to a shelter or evacuating a danger zone must be made swiftly and surely, based on an awareness of real dangers and proper responses. Fear, panic and ignorance are the paralyzing enemies of cool-headedness, caution and common sense.

Most important: Don't be lulled into complacency by the fact that Erin is a "weak" storm. True, in theory it is far less of a threat than Andrew, which was a monster hurricane, strong enough to turn homes and businesses into piles of shattered wood, concrete and steel.

Nevertheless, Erin could become a killer storm. No one should forget that last November, with winds below hurricane force, Tropical Storm Gordon killed 830 people in Haiti, then eight more while inundating South Florida. In July 1994, Tropical Storm Alberto caused flooding in Georgia that killed 31 people.

Once you make preparations to protect yourself and your family, why not help your neighbors? Call the American Red Cross and volunteer to help operate a storm shelter or supply other relief during and after the storm.

When a hurricane warning is declared, most people focus on the visible threats - high winds, wind-blown debris, heavy rain, flooding and loss of electrical power. Don't ignore the less visible but no less real threats: public apathy, ignorance and lack of preparedness.